Mosques and some Christian groups expressed concern this would force routine religious instruction in madrasas or Sunday schools to be regulated.

England’s Education Secretary Damian Hinds said the government wanted to ensure all children learned “the values that underpin our society, including fairness, tolerance and respect”.

“These are values that help knit our communities together, which is why education is at the heart of this strategy.

“It’s also important that children are taught in a safe environment and that we can act quickly if children are at risk or being encouraged to undermine these values. Together, with Ofsted and communities across the country, we will build on the work already underway to achieve this.”

However, a lack of parliamentary time means this might not happen before the next election.

And without greater legal clarity it might still prove difficult to bring prosecutions even with stronger powers for Ofsted.

Some unregistered settings have been operating in a grey area of the law with parents insisting they are part of home education.

The government says it will clarify the regulations on home education, but is not planning to change them.